2008 County Guide Book
Published by Richmond Suburban Newspapers
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October 2008
Discover Amelia County
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Helpful Phone Numbers
Table of Contents
All area codes 804
Welcome message ........................................................... 4
Emergency (fire, police, ambulance) ...............................911
Sailor’s Creek .................................................................. 7
Amelia County Elementary School ....................... 561-2433
Amelia Fair ....................................................................10
Library .................................................................... 561-4559
Amelia Government Services .......................................12
Amelia County High School .................................. 561-2101
Things to do in Amelia ..................................................16
Magistrate ............................................................... 561-5728
Historical Society ..........................................................17
Amelia County Middle School .............................. 561-4422
Amelia Fire Department ................................................17
Mannboro Post Office ............................................ 561-2231 Amelia Post Office ................................................. 561-6092
On the cover:
Maplewood Landfill ............................................... 561-5787
Amelia’s first courthouse was located in Pridesville and was destroyed by fire in 1766. The current structure was completed in 1924 and sits on a square in the center of town.
Animal Control ....................................................... 561-3878 Natural Resources Conservation Service ............... 561-2947 Building Inspector .................................................. 561-3039 Piedmont Soil & Water Conservation District ....................... ..........................................................................434-392-4127 Clerk of the Circuit Court....................................... 561-2128
All photos by Jim Ridolphi unless otherwise noted.
The Discover Amelia 2008 County Guide Book is published by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. 6400 Mechanicsville Turnpike Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (804) 746-1235 Fax (804) 730-0476 Content provided by Jim Ridolphi. © 2008 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher.
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Discover Amelia County
October 2008
Welcome to Beautiful Amelia County I am honored to welcome you to beautiful Amelia County, Virginia, one of the last great undiscovered treasures of the Commonwealth. Situated a mere thirtyfive miles from the historic state capital of Richmond, Amelia continues to be a rural haven within a quickly developing metropolitan area, and a community where agriculture remains an important part of our economy. Breathtaking sunsets, rolling hills, awe-inspiring forests, rural farmlands, friendly and welcoming citizens, the charming village of Amelia Court House and the stately Appomattox River all can be found here. You can also find a rich and storied history in Amelia. Formed in 1734 from Prince George and Brunswick Counties, we are named for Princess Amelia Sophia Eleanor, the second daughter of King George II of England. During the Revolutionary War (1781), British General Banastore “Bloody Ban” Tarleton raided Amelia to interrupt desperately needed supply lines going to General George Washington’s Continental Army. On April 6, 1865 Amelia County witnessed the largest unstipulated surrender of the Civil War, as General Robert E. Lee’s valiant retreat from Petersburg was dealt a final death blow at the Battle of Sailor’s Creek, the last major battle of the war to be fought in Virginia, where over seventy seven hundred confederate troops and eight Generals surrendered unconditionally. Today Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park, an integral part of Virginia’s Lee’s Retreat Tour, remains one of the most visited sites in the Region. Also in April 1865, according to legend, Amelia County records were saved when General George Armstrong Custer, of Little Big Horn fame, placed a guard at the Amelia County Clerk’s Office with orders to preserve all records. Virginia’s 24th Governor, William Branch Giles (1827-1830) and Mary Virginia Hawes Terhune, syn-
dicated columnist, novelist and celebrated author of biographical sketches, history and travelogues, who wrote under the pseudonym Marion Harland were born in Amelia. Edmund Ruffin, farmer, author and radical Southern activist, who is attributed with firing the “first shot of the Civil War” at Fort Sumter, South Carolina took his own life at Redmore Plantation on June 18, 1865 shortly after Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House. Recreational opportunities also abound in Amelia County, from the hunting and fishing that is so valued in this rural paradise to go cart racing, paintball, a full service Recreation Department and Public Library and the annual Amelia County Fair which was recently honored as the best small County Fair in Virginia. Amelia is also blessed with economic opportunities including low taxes, a new Industrial Park on US Route 360, close proximity to the Richmond Metropolitan Area population, has outstanding schools and still maintains its pastoral charm. And perhaps of greater significance to our current and future residential and business communities alike, Amelia is growing, dedicated to the protection of our natural resources, the preservation of our rich history, a commitment to be an open and inclusive community with a clear focus on a sustainable and prosperous future. As Chairman of the Board of Supervisors I would encourage you to come and share our rural lifestyle, enjoy the amenities of our county and take advantage of the abundance of economic opportunities in one of the Commonwealth’s last undiscovered treasures. Our County Administrator and staff are here to serve you and we look forward to welcoming and sharing with you what we already know … “Amelia is a great place to be!” For additional information go to www.amelacova. us or call (804) 561-3039
October 2008
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Discover Amelia County
October 2008
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October 2008
Discover Amelia County
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Sailor’s Creek State Park has attracted civil war enthusiasts from around the nation for years and is now scheduled for some major improvements. Noted historian and author Chris Calkins was named Park Director and plans more interpretive trails, a restoration of the Hillsman House and a new visitor’s center. Most of the park is located in Amelia County.
Sailor’s Creek slated for facelift Noted historian will head efforts to expand facilities, trails
tiny crossroad called Holt’s Corner and encountered what remained of the Southern army at a small branch known as Sailor’s Creek.
By Jim Ridolphi
Today, the battlefield, now a historical state park, stands as a quiet reminder to a significant conflict that sealed the fate of the Confederates with nearly a third of their army being captured including eight generals.
In the spring of 1865, Amelia Court House offered the South its best, last hope to continue a war that had become increasingly hopeless with the defeat at Petersburg. Gen. Robert E. Lee, determined to continue the fight, reassembled his troops and headed west, specifically to a small crossroads on the all-important Richmond and Danville railroad called Amelia. Lee expected to resupply his troops with rations and materials at Amelia, proceed on to Danville and unite with Gen Joseph Johnston’s army in North Carolina. When Lee’s army arrived in Amelia, the haggard troops had a less than comfortable 24 hour lead on Northern troops quickly on the pursuit. The Confederate general hoped the one-day advantage would be just enough to allow his troops to complete the journey to Danville, but it was not to be. As fate would have it, the supplies didn’t include food, and Lee’s army waited around Amelia for more than a day awaiting further rations that never arrived. Once Lee’s army left Amelia, the Union army crossed their path at nearby Jetersville on the railroad, forcing Lee to change course and head to Farmville for supplies. The Union Army then began its chase eventually gaining on them at a
The site. long the emphasis of Civil War enthusiasts and historians, is scheduled to receive the attention many think it deserves. The park is scheduled for a serious facelift, including a new visitors center, interpretive trails and a complete restoration of the Hillsman House. Noted Civil War author and historian Chris Calkins, currently the Chief of Interpretation at Petersburg National Battlefield, has accepted the Park’s manager position at Sailor’s Creek and he’s got plenty of enthusiasm, and a healthy dose of knowledge, for the site. Sailor’s Creek is now a stand-alone park, meaning it has its own staff, and no longer will be just a part of Twin Lakes State Park. Calkins said the opportunity to become park manager at Sailor’s was an opportunity he didn’t want to miss, but he did have second thoughts about his work with continuing programs at Petersburg. “The Park Director came up with a partnership program
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Continued from page 7 between the state parks and the national parks,” Calkins said. Both parties agreed to Calkins’ part-time assignments at both parks. For now, he telecommutes from his Petersburg office, and handles most of the Sailor’s Creek duties in that method, for the time being. In the past, facilities at Sailor’s Creek have been limited. “The Hillsman House was open sporadically when you got hold of a ranger,” Calkins said. That will change with the addition of the new visitors center, which should begin construction this month. Currently, Calkins is putting the finishing touches on a historical furnishings study for the Hillsman House. The structure, used as a Union hospital during the battle, will be furnished with period surroundings, historically accurate to 1865 during the time of the battle. The furniture at the Hillsman House was originally donated and inventoried to the state park system, but the story goes that the lot was stolen years ago. Calkins located an inventory list of those furnishings and is trying to duplicate it. One of the rooms will be restored, as it was when the Hillsman’s occupied the house. Another will feature a room that will recreate the operating room at Hillsman during the war. Calkins has a longstanding relationship with Sailor’s that goes back to his college days at Longwood College, now university. His first book, “36 Hours before Appomattox (1980),” outlines the final days of Lee’s campaign, including the battles at Sailor’s Creek, High Bridge and Farmville. For the last 30 years Calkins has assembled a large collection of artifacts from the area that will be displayed at Sailor’s Creek. Since the college days, Calkins interest in the area has evolved. He wrote and organized the Lee’s Retreat Auto Driving Tour, a series of twenty-six stops highlighting the final days of the Confederacy through Southside Virginia to Appomattox. Calkins is maintaining the dual assignment status as long as he can; primarily because he wants to see several projects at Petersburg take root and progress. They include a new visitor center at Five Forks in Dinwiddie, the $8 million restoration of the South Side Railroad Depot depot in Petersburg and the expansion of Petersburg National Battlefield by 7,238 acres, mostly in Dinwiddie County. Amelia Courthouse, the destination Following defeat at Petersburg, Confederate armies from the siege, Chesterfield County and Richmond began to converge on Amelia Courthouse, a prominent stock on the Richmond and Danville Railroad. Lee was convinced food rations and other supplies would await the weary troops at Amelia around April 3-4, 1865. “The Confederate Army had a one day lead getting out,” Calkins said. “The Union Army had to go into Richmond and occupy Petersburg. Up until Amelia, the Confederates
Ranger Chris Joyner and Kari Dunnavant, historical interpreter, currently work at Sailor’s Creek State Park. Their duties will expand with the new facilities and plans for the park.
still had that lead,” he added. That advantage quickly deteriorated due to two factors. The army from Richmond had not totally arrived (General Ewell’s Corps) arrived due to difficulty fording the Appomattox River, swollen from spring rains. Additionally, the supplies Lee anticipated were not there. Lee turns his army southwest and encounters the Union Army at Jetersville, still proceeding along the Richmond and Danville Railroad. Rather than engage. Lee turned north to Amelia Springs with Farmville the new target destination. With the guarantee of 80,000 rations at Farmville, Lee would then head south to Keysville. The plan would place Lee’s army, in its entirety on one road through Deatonville, Holt’s Corner and Sailor’s Creek. Union troops spot the Confederates at Holt’s Corner and the Confederates split, still proceeding across Sailor’s Creek to Farmville. The action at Sailor’s Creek encompasses three separate engagements, all of them combining to doom the Confederate efforts to reach Danville. The battle of Hillsman’s Farm, the battle of Marshall’s Crossroads and the battle of Lockett’s Farm on April 6 accounted for 7700 Southern casualties and the capture of nine (one actually preceded the battle itself) generals. Lee, already past the action and headquartered at Rice’s Depot, heard the battle and rode back to find his army in disarray. As his troops fled across Big Sailor’s Creek, Lee
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Continued from page 8 reportedly said, “My God, has the army dissolved?” The remaining troops made a night march on the evening of the sixth, escaping through High Bridge. “They do get into Farmville and they do find those rations,” Calkins said. By this time, however, Union Calvary was close behind and no sooner had the Confederates opened the boxcars, they were closed and sent further west to Pamplin Depot, as Union troops rode in and captured Farmville. Lee’s troop crossed to the north side of the Appomattox and endured another night march heading for Appomattox Station, the next stop on the South Side Railroad. Lee encountered Union troops at Cumberland Church on the evening of April 7, and received his first communication from Grant regarding possible surrender. “The evening of the eight, Lee’s army had reached the vicinity of Appomattox Court House,” Calkins said. The stop provided no relief for the tired and hungry troops, as Union Gen. George Custer captured the depot and trains of rations intended for Lee at Appomattox Station. As for Custer’s personal involvement at Amelia Court House and the legend of his saving the county records at the courthouse, Calkins offered some clarification. There’s no doubt Custer was responsible for placing guard over the
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Discover Amelia County
October 2008
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The Amelia County Fair is an annual destination for citizens, young and old. Featuring a midway full of rides and amusements, agricultural displays and various special events, the fair is a hit each September.
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October 2008
Discover Amelia County
Amelia County Fair 2008
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October 2008
Amelia County Government Board of Supervisors Amelia County is comprised of five election districts, each represented by a citizen on the Board of Supervisors. Members of the Governing Body are elected to four-year staggered terms and are responsible for rezoning requests, land use issues, and County Ordinances and Policies. The Board also sets the annual budget and appoints citizens to various Boards, Commissions and Committees.
the earliest days of our Country and are so named because they are specifically established by the Constitution of Virginia. Amelia’s Constitutional Officers include: Clerk of the Circuit Court
The current Amelia County Board includes:
Marilyn L. Wilson serves as Amelia County’s Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Court is a court of record, and the clerk serves as recorder of deeds and probate judge, issues marriage licenses and is the administrator for all civil and criminal court cases. In this capacity the Clerk of the Court compiles and maintains all court files and records, prepares court orders and jury lists, issues summons and court processes and contacts jurors. Ms. Wilson’s Office is located at 15441 Court Street in Amelia Court House, 23002 and her phone number is 804-561-2128.
•
Franklin D. Harris (Chairman) - District 5.
Commissioner of the Revenue
•
Ellsworth J. “Jim” Bennett (Vice-chairman) - District 1.
•
Weldon “Skip” Hall - District 2.
•
Ralph A. Whitaker, Jr. - District 3.
•
V. Kay Fletcher - District 4.
Joyce P. Morris serves as the Amelia County Commissioner of the Revenue, and is responsible for assessing County Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes, collecting Business License Fees and assisting citizens in preparation of State income tax returns.
Mission Statement To provide open responsive leadership for the County of Amelia and improve the quality of life for all the citizens.
County Administrator The County Administrator is the Chief Administrative Officer of the County Government, is appointed by the Board of Supervisors and serves at the pleasure of the Board. The County Administrator directs and supervises the day to day operations of all County Departments and Agencies under the direct control of the Board of Supervisors and further provides administrative support to the Governing Body, serves as the Supervisor’s liaison with the Constitutional Officers, the Judiciary, Regional, State and local agencies, authorities and community associations, and coordinates and implements the Board’s policy directives as they pertain to Board agendas, meetings, resolutions, legislative policies and constituent services. Thomas E. Harris currently serves as Amelia County Administrator and the assistant County Administrator is Norma Duty. The County Administrator’s Office is located at 16360 Dunn Street, Amelia Court House, 23002. Mr. Harris can be reached at (804) 561-3039 or teharris@ameliacova.com Constitutional Offices Constitutional Offices are elected positions that date back to
Ms. Morris also administers the state’s Personal Property Relief (Car Tax Relief) and Relief for the Elderly. The Commissioner’s Office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ms. Morris can be reached at 804-561-2158. Commonwealth’s Attorney Lee R. Harrison serves as the Amelia County Commonwealth’s Attorney. Mr. Harrison is responsible for representing the citizens of Virginia in prosecuting criminal cases and works closely with the County Administrator in addressing local concerns. The Commonwealth Attorney is elected to a four-year term, and his office is located at 9111 Washington Street in Amelia. Mr. Harrison can be reached at 804-561-3302. County Treasurer Pam Conyers is Amelia County Treasurer and like every other Treasurer in Virginia since 1870 is responsible for the collection of real estate, personal property and license taxes, disburses county payments and manages the investment of local funds. The Treasurer also collects permit fees, Court, sheriff and clerk fees and assists with State income taxes. Ms. Conyer’s is a certified Master Governmental Treasurer while Ms. Wanda Fleming (Deputy Treasurer) has obtained Master Governmental Deputy Treasurer certification, both through the Weldon Cooper Institute of the University of Virginia. For the convenience of our citizens Amelia County Tax and sewer bills can be paid on line at www.officialpayments.com. The Treasurer’s Office is located at 16360 Dunn Street, Suite 103 and Ms. Conroy can be reached at 804-561-2145. Sheriff Rick Walker was elected Amelia County Sheriff in 2008. The Sheriff as one of Amelia’s Constitutional Officers and is elected to serve as the County’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer. The
Continued on page 14
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Continued from page 9 records, but reports of him actually being in Amelia Court House are probably inaccurate. “I was asked by a member of the Amelia Historical Society to study that question,” Calkins said. “According to the Official records Custer himself was never in Amelia Court House,” he added. The story may have origins in action that occurred after Lee left Amelia Courthouse. Custer did send one of his brigade commanders, Colonel William Wells, to inspect the town. Due to the distinctive uniform of Custer’s outfit including a red bow tie, residents may have mistaken Wells for the infamous general. “I even found a description of what he looked like, and that could be what actually happened,” Calkins said. “This doesn’t discount the story; it just discounts that Custer himself was in Amelia.” A new vision for Sailor’s Creek Calkins is excited to return to an area he’s studied for most of his professional life, and he sees great things for Sailor’s Creek. “It’s a significant battle and tells a wonderful story of the final days of the conflict,” Calkins said. “I hope to enhance those efforts and add to what is already at the park.” In Calkin's estimation the battlefield is a historical gem. “Most of the battlefield, 90 to 95 percent is located within Amelia County,” Calkins said. He has a long-range plan for the park. “My personal goal is to see all of the park’s infrastructure be up and running by 2015, the 150th anniversary of the battle,” Calkins said. That plan includes a relationship with National Park Service sites between Petersburg and Appomattox. “All of those stories are related to my story at Sailor’s Creek,” he said. The importance of that story shouldn’t be underestimated, according to Calkins. “Seven of the stops on Lee’s Retreat are in Amelia County, and up until now, there wasn’t much at Sailor’s Creek. It was kind of a diamond in the rough.” Calkins hopes to put that shimmer back on Sailor’s Creek and give the battle the historical recognition it deserves. After the surrender, Lee wrote to former Confederate president Jefferson Davis on the significance of Amelia Court House in the final equation. “I will therefore only now state that, upon arriving at Amelia Court-House on the morning of the 4th with the advance of the army, on the retreat from the lines in front of Richmond and Petersburg, and not finding the supplies ordered to be place there nearly twenty four hours were lost in endeavoring to collect in the country subsistence for men and horses,” Lee wrote in a letter dated April 12, 1865. “This delay was fatal, and could not be retrieved.”
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October 2008
The Amelia County Elementary School is a state of the art facility located in the village area.
Continued from page 12 Sheriff is empowered by the Code of Virginia to appoint deputies and civilian staff to affect his charges. Law enforcement covers a broad spectrum of duties ranging from traffic management and safety to criminal investigations and the delivery of all warrants, subpoenas, summons, bill of complaints and levies. Sheriff Walker also manages the County’s Dispatch Office for all Fire, Rescue and Police dispatches. Sheriff Walker’s office is located at 16441 Court Street, Amelia Court House, 23002 and the Sheriff’s Office phone number is (804) 561-2118. COUNTY DEPARTMENTS Planning Department David Whitaker heads Amelia’s Planning Department and along with the Planning Commission, County Administrator and the Board of Supervisors is responsible for preparing the County for present and future growth. Mr. Whitaker can be reached at 804-561-3039. Additionally, many of the forms and services currently provided by the Amelia County Planning Department are available online at the County’s website, www.amelia.gov. va.us.
Parks and Recreation. Along with Carolyn Jackson (assistant) and a staff of six part-time employees and over fifty volunteers the Recreation Department provides a wide range of activities that include, Youth Football, Soccer, Basketball and Softball as well as Youth Dances; Skating; Tae-bo; Karate; Gymnastics; Adult Aerobics; an open weight room and a Summer Playground Program. Additionally the Recreation Department works closely with both the Amelia County Library and Extension Offices. The Amelia County Parks and Recreation Office is located at 16330 Dunn Street. Mr. Wilkerson can be reached at 561-4100. Animal Control The Amelia County Animal Shelter is located at the Joe H. Paulette Memorial Park (16565 Five Forks Road) in Amelia. With a staff of two full-time and one part-time employee the Animal Control Department utilizes a vast array of volunteers and volunteer groups to make the Amelia County Animal Shelter among the most efficient Public Shelters in the Commonwealth at having animals adopted. Donna Boutwell currently serves as Amelia’s Animal Control Officer and Cindy Case is the Kennel Assistant. Shelter hours are Monday through Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with the shelter closed on Fridays. You can reach the Shelter at ameliaanimalcontrol@yahoo. com. or by telephone at 804-561-3878.
Building Department
Environmental Resources
Harold W. Rumfelt, C.B.O. serves as the Amelia County Building Official and along with Assistant Building Official Richard Jones is responsible for enforcing state and local building codes on construction projects within the County. Housed in the County Administration Building, you can contact the Building Department at 804-561-3039.
Ray York (Environmental Resource Manager) and Patty Averett (Litter Control and Recycling Coordinator) are responsible for inspections and code compliance at both the Maplewood Landfill (Waste Management) and County Green box sites as well as managing Amelia’s extensive recycling program. Additionally, Ray and Patty conduct educational programs, manage the County’s litter control grant, investigate litter complaints and conduct
Parks and Recreation Glenn Wilkerson serves as the Amelia County Director of
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Continued from page 14 County wide cleanups, including the annual “Amelia County Extreme Clean Makeover.” The Environmental Resource Office is located at 20221 Maplewood Road, Jetersville and Mr. York and/or Ms. Averett can be reached at (804) 561-3004.
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dren’s Gaming Day, Children’s Craft Day; Teen Movies; J-Pop Crafts, Pokemon League; Teen Book Club; College Survival Classes; Adult Crafts as well as a Scrapbooking Club. Please call 561-4559 for further information or go on line at www.HamnerLibrary.org
Public Works
Amelia County School Division
Daryl Gough, Maintenance Supervisor manages a staff of seven dedicated County employees and works closely with VDOT and our County Engineers (B&B) to address County needs. Additionally Mr. Gough and his staff are responsible for all County Buildings and Grounds and help maintain Amelia’s public utilities. Located at 9030 North Five Forks Road in Amelia Court House, Mr. Gough can be reached at ameliamain@tds.net or (804) 561-4565.
Vision Statement
Amelia Court House Sanitary District
With high expectations and equitable professional services, the Amelia County Public Schools will build positive relationships with students and community and assure attainment of high academic achievement, which exceeds all state and federal standards and provides all students with a foundation for the future.
The Sanitary District serves approximately 437 residences and businesses with water and/or sewer services in and around Amelia Court House. The “District” has one 500,000 gallon elevated storage tank for water and a 300,000 gallon per day oxidation ditch system wastewater treatment plant. The County is very fortunate to have the services of three certified and experienced professionals that include Ronnie Tatum (Chief Wastewater Operator); Eugene Poe (Plant Operator) and Buddy Webster (Chief Water Operator) who work closely with Daryl Gough (Maintenance Supervisor) and his staff to provide water and sewer services to Court House residents. Mr. Tatum can be reached at (804) 561-6303 and Mr. Webster can be reached at (804) 561-3039. Library While part of Amelia County the Amelia Library officially known as the James Hamner Library is managed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Board of Supervisors and is located at 16351 Dunn St. in the Courthouse area. The hours of operation are Monday and Friday - 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday-10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 to 2 a.m. Dora Rowe, Library Director heads a staff of three fulltime and three part-time employees. Current programs include Story Time and Teen Gaming Day, with the Chess Club meeting on the 1st Wednesday of the month and Pajama Story on the 2nd Wednesday (6 p.m.) of the month. Other activities include Chil-
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The Amelia County Public Schools resolve to become the schools of choice for the community of Amelia where all students achieve at exemplary levels and emerge prepared for the future. Mission Statement
Superintendent of Schools David M. Gangel, Ed.D., has served the Amelia County School Division for the past six years and oversees three major facilities, a staff of highly trained professionals and a growing School Division while Ms. Patricia Humphrey serves as Assistant Superintendent. The School Board Office is located at 8701 Otterburn Road. Dr. Gangel can be reached at 561-2621 or at www.Amelia.k12.va.us The Amelia County High School currently educates 556 students. Principal Mr. Melvin Rose and a staff that includes Activities Director Mr. Kelly Gardner are providing an exceptional education for students from the 9th through 12th grades. The contact number for the High School is 804-561-2101. Amelia County Middle School welcomes students from the 5th through 8th Grades and currently has an enrollment of 565. Ms. Kathleen Farmer is the Middle School Principal while Mr. Jeff Borman serves as Assistant Principal. Ms. Farmer and her staff can be reached by phone at 804-561-4422. Amelia County Elementary School enrolls grades K through fourth, and for the 2009 School Year serves 705 students. Ms. Kathy Stuart is Principal while Ms. Elvira Ford is Dean of Students. You may contact the Amelia County Elementary School at 804-561-2433.
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Things to do in Amelia County Amelia offers a variety of opportunities for those seeking recreation, adventure or just relaxation. Numerous antique shops dot the county, and there’s a treasure around every corner. For the history lover, Amelia offers an ample amount of historic homes sties and legends. Lee’s Retreat, a series of stops from Petersburg to Appomattox, traces the last days of the Confederacy and the final drive of the Army of Northern Virginia. The tour features interpretive stops complete with markers and radio messages. Seven of the stops are located in Amelia, making the nerve center of the retreat. Amelia Courthouse was one of Lee’s last stops, and some Union generals, including Gen. Phillip Sheridan, thought the war would end in Amelia County. Lee had other plans, and escaped to fight another day, at other locations in the county. Stops on the Lee’s Retreat Tour include: •
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Namozine Church where a rear guard calvary scrimmage took place around the church as Lee’s soldiers marched toward Amelia Court House. Amelia Court House, where General Lee brought all his troops from Richmond and Petersburg to gather at the small village. Lee hoped to continue into North Carolina and join forces with Gen. Joseph E. Johnston. Jetersville, where Union forces confronted Lee and cut him off from his original escape route. Lee’s troops were forced to turn toward Farmville.
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Amelia Springs where Union forces encountered Lee’s rear guard as they night marched to escape Grant’s troops in Jetersville.
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Deatonville, the site of a engagement as Union troops closed in Lee’s retreating army. Union forces continued on to Farmville.
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Holt’s Corner, where Lee’s wagon train went north, and the army proceeded toward Little Sailor’s Creek.
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Hillsman House, where Unions and Confederates fought a battle on the slope of the dwelling with disastrous results for the South. Most of the Confederate troops surrendered, and the house was used as a hospital.
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Marshall’s Crossroads, where Union calvary fought against Confederate infantry, finally forcing their retreat or capture.
The Amelia Wildlife Management Area offers a variety of outdoor recreation activities including shooting ranges, nature trails and a lake.
visitors the opportunity for up close encounter with exotic animals. Regular penguin and giraffe feeding sessions are a big hit with the youngsters. The zoo also features a thrilling 15-minute sky ride over the park, a real hit with visitors looking for a bird’s eye view of the attractions. The zoo is also home to the annual Miracle of Christmas pageant, a celebration of the season with live animals and religious reenactors. For more information on the Richmond Metro Zoo, visit their website at www.metrorichmondzoo.com. Morefield Mine For those in search of buried treasure, you may find it in Amelia County, long known for its precious gems, minerals and rocks. Morefield Mine on Butler Road offers visitors to dig for numerous varieties of rocks, including the one of the world’s best supplies of Amazonite. The mine opens in the spring for visiting. Please call first. For more information, call the mine at 561-3399, The Amelia Wildlife Management Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike. Public fishing and boating is available in one of the states largest managed areas.
For more information about Virginia’s Civil War Trails, call 1-888-CIVIL WAR, or visit their website, www.civilwartrails.org. Metro Richmond Zoo The Metro Richmond Zoo is located just over the Amelia County line off Route 360 in Chesterfield. The zoo offers
This memorial garden is maintained by the Amelia County Garden Club.
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Amelia County Historical Society The Amelia Historical Society was formed in 1958 and is trusted with preserving and maintaining the county’s important historical documents and artifacts. They adopted their bylaws on Aug. 6, 1963 and now have a permanent location at the corner of Church and Virginia Streets. Annual memberships are available. The Society’s stated mission is” to discover, procure, and preserve whatever may relate to the history of the people of Amelia County, Virginia, and use this material to serve the people of Amelia County in study and research.” The Society has been instrumental in many projects throughout the county including restoration of the old log cabin, a fall arts festival, house tours and a quarterly newsletter.
Log cabin restored by Amelia Historical Society
For more information, contact the Amelia Historical Society, 16501 Church St., P.O. Box 113, Amelia, VA 23002, 804-561-3180.
Amelia County Fire Department Located 30 miles west of the city of Richmond, Virginia, the Amelia County Fire Department is a 100% volunteer department with 125 dedicated members, manning five stations throughout Amelia County. The Amelia Fire Department volunteers selflessly respond to Fire & EMS emergencies and also proudly assist neighboring Counties with mutual aid when called upon or needed. In order to reach the Fire Department, because the individual stations are not manned at all hours please call (804) 561-1369 or see our web site at Ameliavfd.com for non emergency needs and dial 911 (Amelia County Dispatch) for any emergency.
Company 1 – Amelia B. Kent Emerson, Chief 8950 Otterburn Road Amelia, VA 23002 804-561-3332 Company 2 – Mannboro Steve Binford, Chief 8641 Namozine Road Amelia, VA 23002 804-561-3932 Company 3 – Jetersville Jerry L. Hensley, Chief 21575 Jetersville Road Jetersville, VA 23083 804-561-393 Company 4 – Mattoax Donald J. Shreffler, Chief 11201 Genito Road Amelia, VA 23002 804-561-3335
Company 5 – Paineville Kenneth Llewellyn, Sr., Chief 12151 Fowlkes Bridge Road Amelia, VA 23083 804-561-3694 FIRE SERVICES President James Mike Talley 17140 Appaloosa Court Amelia, VA 23002 804-561-1369 (voicemail box) Vice President Bruce McFadden 10201 Jennings Lane Amelia, VA 23002
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